Charles Eugene Waldron Jr.

Charles Eugene Waldron, Jr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and great-great grandfather, passed away March 10, 2008, in St. Luke's Hospital, at the age of 98. Funeral services will be held at Country Club Christian Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, followed by a military burial at Mt. Washington Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, March 14, at Stine McClure Chapel, 3235 Gillham Plaza, Kansas City, Mo., from 6 to 8 p.m. Waldron, a life-long resident of Kansas City, and long-time Kansas City insurance agent and civic leader, was owner of the Waldron Insurance Company for over 65 years. He was born May 19, 1909, in Kansas City. He was a member of the first graduating class and on the first football team of Southwest High School. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1931, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and a member of the MU football team. He married his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Mulford Waldron, in 1937, and they had resided in the Kansas City area ever since then, except during his service in World War II. A colorful and energetic leader, Waldron was never shy about donating his time, talent and money for good causes. He was a long-time charter member and former Chairman of the Board of Elders of Country Club Christian Church. As an infantry Colonel in the US Army Reserve, Waldron served in the European theater in World War II, was a Past Commander of the Kansas City chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, a Past Commander of the American Legion Post 469, past President of the Missouri Sons of the Revolution, past President of the Native Sons, Past President of the KC Alumni Association of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Past President of the Club Presidents Round Table, and Past President of the Metro Club. He was also a guarantor of the Starlight Theater Association, a member of the Kansas City Real Estate Board, the University Club, and a charter member of the Carriage Club. As a young boy, he was Boy Scout aide to General John J. Pershing at the 1921 site dedication of the Liberty Memorial Museum and Monument in Kansas City. From 1981 to 1991, Colonel Waldron served as Governor of the Board of Trustees of the Liberty Memorial Association. He was an Eagle Scout, and was active in scouting programs his whole life, including the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, where he was known by the name "Clear Eye." Waldron was the great-great grandson of Thomas A. Smart, the patriarch of one of the ten founding families of Kansas City. He is survived by his son, Charles E. Waldron, III, of Los Angeles, Calif.; five grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Mulford Waldron; his daughter, Elizabeth Waldron Chinnery; and two sisters, Caroline Waldron Coleman and Martha Waldron Smith. The family suggests donations to the Country Club Christian Church, or to the charity of your choice. Fond memories and condolences may be made left at www.dwnewcomers.com. Arr.: Stine & McClure Chapel (816) 931-7777.